Wuxia Tale: Hua in Bloom

The Elaborate Lie

(CAPTAIN WANG)

The Emperor ordered everyone to sit again. After those tense filled moments between the Empress and Prince Guo, this group of people need to do some calming down.

Too much theatric. Too much plot. I never liked performances with mock actors. I like watching my soldiers train and fight in arenas and military base.

This...this confusing family affair the Imperial Household have, it's tiring for me. It's a good thing Dayu had sorted out Dao's resentment fast when he learned about the condition of the Emperor to let Hua marry Prince Jin.

I am glad that Dayu talks to Dao and calmed him down. It's a good thing that Dayu did the approaching and talking. I won't know what I could say to Dao to make my son feel better. But whatever it is that Dayu said, it calmed Dao down.

This Imperial Family had no Dayu in them. Someone who can bring this whole family together. Someone who will force each member to meet, sit and talk about the issues surrounding them.

The Empress could have been that person but she is blinded by her ambition and jealousy. Ambition for her first born, Prince Guo. And jealousy for the woman who was pushed aside so she can get her crown and Emperor.

I would say that is a lethal combination of unnecessary emotions but Dayu once instigated himself in a military base full of soldiers, seduced the son of the man he hated the most and killed generals like it's a hunting open season. I'd say my lover is lethal. Not the Empress.

Now, the First Minister is accusing Prince Jin of wanting to kill his own brother. An accusation that could go either way. Get Prince Jin ousted from the Imperial Family and imprisoned or banished. Or will result to the First Minister's death.

Either way, it's a huge accusation to make and something the Emperor and I anticipated.

The Emperor turned to the First Minister, "Prince Jin attempted to kill Prince Guo, is that what you are saying, First Minister?"

"Yes, your Majesty." The First Minister bowed his head a little.

"Lies," Prince Guo said again but Prince Jin put a restraining hand to his brother's arm. "Guo, that is enough. I am glad you think the First Minister is lying. But I, for one, am curious enough to hear this story of my attempt on your life. Go on, First Minister. Tell us how did I tried to kill my brother?"

The First Minister and the Empress look at each other. They must be feeling a little surprised at Prince Jin's forwardness. The oldest Prince is known in the Palace as aloof, timid, docile and unconfrontational. Like a clawless cat or a barkless dog.

But now, Prince Jin is showing some claw and barking back.

The First Minister cleared his throat and composed himself before forging on. "We have one of the Palace guard who received the order from Prince Jin to attack Prince Guo while he was out of the Palace. He got scared at the last moment and didn't join the company of soldiers who followed the First Prince's order. That is why he survived."

"And when did this attack happened again?" The Emperor asked curiously.

"Two weeks ago. The time that the Princes sojourn outside of the Palace and slept in General Wang's home." The First Minister said. "They lied to you, Your Majesty. The Princes were not out drinking with their guards and General Wang's son. There was an attack happened on Prince Guo's life and Prince Jin lied to us all with the help of General Wang and his family,"

My eyebrow shoot up when the Emperor and the rest of the Royal Family there looked at me. Prince Jin gave me a worried look that I dismissed.

"Is there any truth in that story, General Wang?" The Emperor asked.